About the tester: Kate has two horses, Sophy and Milly, who she competes in eventing and dressage respectively. Kate is also a member of the local riding club and shares her passion for horses with her mum.
About the product: The Equiline X-Cel Breakaway Jump Stirrups are a truly unique design, engineered to minimise the risk of your foot getting stuck in case of a fall. When pressure is applied to the outer arm of the stirrup, it opens to release your foot. The Inclined footbeds with carefully placed metal grips help to increase security and encourage a ‘heels down position. They also aid with balance and comfort throughout use.
What were your first impressions? “I was excited to try a style of stirrup that had an inclined footbed and the impact that this could have on my overall riding position and balance.”
How was the sizing and fit? “I wear a size 6 and they fit perfectly! I didn’t feel lost in them, nor were they too narrow. The metal grips and the width of the footbed was one of my favourite aspects. The wider footbed really helped me to push my weight down and into my heel so I felt much more supported and secure in the saddle.”
How did you test the product? “I used them at home – schooling and out hacking, and also at clinics and competitions. I felt they looked super smart with my competition gear, especially with the Equiline branding!”
What was your favourite feature? “Although I didn’t actually get to trial out the safety feature of the releasing arm, thankfully, I felt much more confident knowing that I had this, especially when I was jumping.”
Any other comments? “After riding in the Equiline X-Cel Breakaway stirrups for a month, I feel like I cannot be without a pair because I loved them so much!! There is nothing I don’t like about these stirrups – I would highly recommend. “
